know-how
Americannoun
noun
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ingenuity, aptitude, or skill; knack
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commercial and saleable knowledge of how to do a particular thing; experience
Etymology
Origin of know-how
1830–40, noun use of verb phrase know how
Explanation
Know-how is the knowledge and skill needed to complete a task. Mechanics have a lot of know-how when it comes to cars. This folksy word pretty much defines itself: when you have know-how, you know how to do something. People pick up know-how in many ways. In school, you can gain know-how, especially in classes that are very practical. The best way to get know-how is through experience. For example, teachers may learn about teaching in school, but they won't have a lot of know-how till they've spent a few years in front of a class of students.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A high-speed railway between Belgrade and Budapest is being built with Chinese finance and know-how.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026
I feel his jab and his know-how, and the new-found self belief, will be the difference.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
But the Houthis also operate as part of a network of Iran-backed regional militias that share know-how, weaponry, personnel and goals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026
As AI-natives, they are open to an entirely new way of cultivating know-how and judgment, says Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 26, 2026
Nearly a decade would pass before the United States regained the know-how or the will to launch espionage operations on Russian soil.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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